An Italian publisher collects advance orders for new publications via its network of representatives who visit bookstores throughout Italy. The problem is that it was taking at least a week for the preorder to reach the publisher and a considerable amount of time was elapsing before orders from all the stores could be collected.
An Extech distributor in Italy provided a solution for the publisher. The distributor installed software, on a pen based computer, used for automating sales networks. It was configured to meet the special needs of publishing and interfaced with the publisher's corporate information system. The solution included an Extech mobile printer, with an infrared communication link that eliminates cables and mechanical connections.
Each representitive carries the portable pen computer containing current information about customers and publications. The representitives collect preorders for new publications as well as orders for publications already in the catalog and issue receipts automatically using an Extech S2000i mobile printer. Each evening, the pen computer transmits all collected data via modem. The data is verified and transferred to the central information system which, in turn, communicates updates on customers, publications, and price lists. The following morning, all the transmitted information is available to the relevant managers.
Thanks to prompt and reliable data, the publisher has achieved enormous advantages in terms of rationalizing numbers of copies, reducing the costs of printing and storage, and reducing communication times. The bookshops like the speed and professional capabilities offered by the new work tool and appreciate the new work organization. This has helped to considerably improve the corporate image.
